Music and singing courses and holidays in Languedoc, south France

From the Occultation Troubadours to Jacques Tati, Languedoc in the south of France is steeped in musical history. The region has long been influenced by the music of Spain, and throughout the summer, musical festivals abound (including opera in Orange, Jazz in Séte and the Festival Radio France held across the region each summer). So what better place than Languedoc, with its constant sunshine and relaxed atmosphere, to treat yourself to a musical holiday or music course of some sort.

At La Maison Verte, in the busy little village of Roujan (near Pézenas), Anne Roberts and Francis Steele (the UK's foremost Renaissance Singing expert) invite course organisers from across Europe to run all sorts of musical and singing (and art) courses in the grounds of their fabulous 'maison de vigneronne' in the centre of the village. They also run their own Renaissance music courses each year.

Click on any of the below panels to read more information on each of the music and singing course and holiday providers listed in the Languedoc region of the south of France:

Singing & Musical courses:

La Maison Verte - singing courses & concerts

La Maison Verte is one of the most popular venues for courses in the Languedoc.

They hold a range of singing/musical courses and concerts throughout the year.

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Where is it?

La Maison Verte is in the middle of the village of Roujan, close to the popular town of Pézenas in the south of France.

Who runs it?

Many of the courses are run by Anne Roberts and Francis Steele - owners of the property. Francis is the UK's preeminent Renaissance singing expert.

When are they?

Courses/Concerts for 2013 include:

2-8 April 2013English Choral Experience with Paul Spicer and Mark Opstad
Having successfully established their summer course at Abbey Dore in the UK over the last five years they are now expanding into promoting a course in Easter week in the south of France. The music is mainly early and they include some French music by two pre-revolution composers from this area of France. It should make a really beautiful concert together with organ pieces played by Mark Opstad who is the accompanist for the course.
Contact Details: englishchoralexperience.co.uk or paul@paulspicer.com

17-19 April 2013Ochoeur in Residence
This languedoc based singing group will be working on repertoire to be first presented at a concert at Eglise St Laurent in Roujan on 19 April at 18h. Tickets are free and all are welcome.
Contact Details: anne.roberts@easynet.co.uk

25 May - 1 June 2013A course for Cellists
If you are cellist wanting a fun holiday with plenty of music making, then contact Kim Mackrell.
Contact Details: kimmackrell1@gmail.com

29 June - 6 July 2013St Catharine's College, Cambridge: Chapel Choir in Residence
One of the finest of Cambridge College Chapel Choirs will be spending a week here working on repertoire. Free Concert at l'eglise St Laurent in Roujan on Wednesday 3 July. Everyone welcome.
Contact details: anne.roberts@easynet.co.uk

6-13 July 2013Cappella Magdalena: Choir in Residence
This is an all-women French ensemble with a growing reputation for their renditions of early Renaissance repertoire. They will be performing a concert at the church in Roujan on Friday 12 July - entrance free. Contact us for more information on the concert.
Contact details: anne.roberts@easynet.co.uk

20-27 July 2013Jazz, Bossa Nova and Madrigals with Regis Leroy
Local specialist Regis Leroy leads a laid back week for singers on the complex rhythms of Argentinian Bossa Nova, jazz and French Madrigals. Tuition will be in French. If you would like to participate, please contact Regis Leroy direct.
Contact details: zazou.ira@wanadoo.fr

3-10 August 2013Consort and Chamber Choir singing with Martin Elliott
A singing course for good singers. More details to follow.

31 August to 7 September 2013St Edmund Hall, Oxford: Chapel Choir in Residence
This is one of the newest Oxford Chapel Choirs (formed just this year), and is directed by renowned English Tenor Chris Watson. This group of talented youngers is embarking on its first overseas tour. Free concert at Eglise St Laurent in Roujan on Friday 6 September.
Contact details: anne.roberts@easynet.co.uk

This is a rare and exclusive opportunity to spend four days at the French House Party learning the techniques of composing with a performer frequently compared to Billy Joel and Paul Simon - and described by one music critic as "A genius. An original. A musical craftsman of unrivalled expertise."

Near Carcassonne in the Aude department of Languedoc. Fly to Carcassonne with RyanAir or Toulouse (various carriers).

Airport transfers included in price.

Who runs it?

Dean Friedman is acknowledged as one of the best lyrics-and-melody composers in the music industry and with the perfect, instantly-recognisable soaring voice which gave him hit songs like Ariel, Well Well Said the Rocking Chair, Lydia - and, of course, the quirky and memorable British chart-topper Lucky Stars - Dean has remained a major inspiration to other songwriters for more than three decades.